Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed into law a measure aimed at addressing extreme heat by requiring local governments to update their hazard mitigation plans by Jan. 1, 2028.

The California Apartment Association urged the governor to veto AB 2684 by Assemblyman Isaac Bryan, D-Los Angeles, citing concerns it could lead to expensive retrofitting mandates for older buildings unequipped for modern HVAC systems.

In a Sept. 4 letter, CAA warned the bill could impose costly mandates on rental property owners if local governments require retrofits without considering financial and technical challenges.

“We believe there are other appropriate ways to bring down indoor temperatures, but a building’s electrical system and cost barriers must be taken into consideration,” wrote Debra Carlton, CAA’s executive vice president of state public affairs.

Many older rental properties in California lack the electrical infrastructure needed for air conditioning systems, making retrofits financially and technically challenging. CAA had advocated for the bill to align with AB 209, a 2022 law requiring the Department of Housing and Community Development to develop recommendations for maintaining safe indoor temperatures by 2025, taking into account regional climate differences and cost barriers.